Fitdog Blog

Running

On Labor Day, we give thanks for all of the workers who have contributed to the well being of prosperity of our country. But we wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the amazing contributions of our canine workers. Working dogs were bred to perform specific tasks to assist people. Original jobs were focused around the acquisition and protection of food sources such as hunting, tracking, herding, and guarding. Today’s working dogs mostly perform life-saving tasks such as search & rescue, therapy and disability assistance, policing, patrolling, and military tasks. Ever wonder what your breed was originally bred for and...

Working dogs were built to expend energy, work long days, and solve problems. So while socializing in daycare with buddies is fun, dogs that are designed to herd farm animals, track big game, hunt and trap quarry, and carry heavy loads are looking for more to do. We’ve identified popular working breeds at Fitdog that we know are much happier (and less destructive) when given a diverse mix of activities and exercise. For these high energy, smart breeds, we recommend three to five sports outings or classes per week. Owners immediately notice a difference in their dog. Not only are...

Did you know?! Hikes are appropriate for dogs of all shapes and sizes!! But not all dogs have the recall skills needed to hit the trails and enjoy off-leash exploring. And, thus, an idea was born at Fitdog! Let’s combine the great workout of a hike, with awesome training and obedience skills! We are excited to share new Fitdog class for you and your pup! Jeff Soto, our longtime partner and dog trainer, is offering a cost-effective training session for sports dogs that need some additional training on the trail – called Fitdog Sports Ready. Fitdog Sports Ready will be...

We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming for some seriously awesome dog videos! You know you can’t resist… Here are just a few of our fun-loving Fitdogs playing it up for our cameras over the last year! We love when pups show off their skills! Riley is practicing his jumps. [video width="720" height="540" m4v="http://www.fitdogsportsclub.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/2-Riley-Jumps-Agility.m4v"][/video] Out on the trail, Honey practices recall. [video width="1280" height="720" mp4="http://www.fitdogsportsclub.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/3-Honey-Practicing-Recall.mp4"][/video] A busy mind is a happy mind and Puzzle Playtime is a perfect addition to a day at Fitdog. Max loves the treat puzzle from West Paw Design. [video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="http://www.fitdogsportsclub.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/4-max-puzzle-treat.mp4"][/video] Every day is a...

Many dog owners have issues with walking their dog on leash such as lunging at strangers, excessive barking, and growling. These types of behaviors while on leash are referred to leash aggression or leash reactivity. If you have a dog with leash aggression, walking your dog around the block can become an unpleasant experience for both owner and pet. To get some answers on what leash aggression is and how to prevent it, we consulted our new trainer, Rhonda Feinberg, CPDT-KA, for her expertise on the subject. According to Rhonda, there are two primary motivations that cause leash aggression or...

Rattlesnakes pose an extremely dangerous threat to our dogs in Southern California. They inhabit beach areas, the foothills, mountains, canyons, deserts, and even urban areas. Dog's instincts tell them to approach these snakes but it is an owner's responsibility to provide adequate training in order to keep their dog out of harm's way. If your dog is unfortunate enough to come face-to-face with one and gets bitten, chances are they will either pass away or you will need to spend thousands of dollars in medical bills to treat them. There are several organizations that train dogs to avoid these venomous...

Who doesn’t love hitting the trails in the L.A. area with their dog? Trails are often much more scenic than your typical street walk and offer a sense of peacefulness and cleaner air to go along with that beautiful view. Below is a list different dog-friendly trails in the Santa Monica and L.A. areas that are perfect for a day out in the sunshine for you and your pup. Runyon Canyon Trail allows dogs throughout the entire trail, but even has an area where dogs are allowed to be off their leash and run freely. This trail is only a...

Join Team Fitdog, as we stay active with our fit dogs! Meet your pup’s daycare BFFs and make new friends at our scheduled walks, runs, play-dates and more! Terrance Walker, Club Manager, will be leading our teams at Strut your Mutt on Saturday, October 10 & Race For Rescues on Saturday, October 24! Team Fitdog (Strut Your Mutt) Team Fitdog (Race for Rescues) Also, be sure to “Like” us on Facebook to check out our events and join our Meet-Up group where we’ll post all of our upcoming Fitdog Runners Group events!

Fall weather offers the perfect temperatures for running your pup! Here are our favorite leashes for running with your dog. Hurtta Jogging Leash – This leash frees your hands by using an ergonomic handle and is a great alternative if you are not comfortable using a hands-free waist leash. The leash comes in various strengths and lengths, and can meet the needs of any dog. Hunter Training Freestyle Reflect Leash – Sturdy, weatherproof, thick and reflective, everything you need for a good running leash. Hunter, a German company, specializes in handcrafted, high-quality goods for dogs that are meant to last...

When newcomers tour our Fitdog Sports Club in Santa Monica, they always chuckle when they pass the doggy treadmill. They ask: “Is that for real?” The simple answer: absolutely. Pet owners might think it’s impossible to get their dog on a treadmill, but once you do, there are a host of benefits for dogs and owners. (Learn how to get your dog started on a treadmill here.) Prevent boredom A main cause of canine behavioral problems is boredom. Your furniture, shoes, or neighbors’ ears can fall victim to a bored dog. A dog learns to focus on the moving track...